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Published on: December 29, 2021
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Review: Cannabinoids as Medicinals
Jag H Khalsa1,2,3, Gregory Bunt4, Kenneth Blum5,6,7,8,9,10
1Division of Therapeutics and Medical Consequences, Medical Consequences of Drug Abuse and Infections Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIH, Special Volunteer, 16071 Industrial Drive, Gaithersburg, MD 20877 USA.
Current Addiction Reports
|September 12, 2022
Summary
Cannabinoids like cannabidiol (CBD) show potential but lack sufficient clinical evidence for widespread medical use. More rigorous studies are needed to support their therapeutic value beyond specific epilepsy and multiple sclerosis treatments.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Neuroscience
- Medical Cannabis Research
Background:
- Cannabis-derived compounds, particularly cannabinoids, are subjects of extensive debate regarding their therapeutic applications.
- Numerous jurisdictions are considering or have legalized cannabinoids, such as cannabidiol (CBD), for medical use without regulatory approval.
- A critical review of existing evidence is necessary to ascertain the clinical validity of these uses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review published literature over the past 30 years on the medicinal use of cannabinoids.
- To evaluate the sufficiency of clinical evidence from well-designed studies supporting the use of CBD and other cannabinoids as medicines.
- To determine if current evidence meets regulatory standards for therapeutic claims.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of scientific papers.
- Searches conducted in PubMed and Google Scholar databases.
- Analysis focused on clinical studies and trials published within the last three decades.
Main Results:
- Cannabidiol (CBD) and other cannabinoids are not yet substantiated for broad medical indications.
- Exceptions include limited, approved uses of CBD for specific pediatric epilepsy syndromes and CBD/THC for multiple sclerosis spasticity.
- Existing research suggests potential therapeutic benefits but lacks robust clinical validation.
Conclusions:
- While cannabinoids show promise, they are not ready for formal medical indications across a wide range of conditions.
- Further preclinical and clinical research adhering to regulatory guidelines is essential.
- Formal recommendation of CBD and other cannabinoids as medicines requires more high-quality evidence.
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